Heartsease Primary Academy Newsletter - 20th June 2025

Office update

Diarrhoea/Vomiting

Please be reminded that if you child has an episode of diarrhoea / vomiting they need to be at least 48 hours clear from the last episode before returning to school.

System Change - MCAS to Arbor

As of September 2025 we will no longer be using MCAS (My child at School). The new system will be called Arbor.

Log in details for this new system and details will follow.

PE Kit

Just a reminder that football boots should not be worn for PE or worn during the school day.

School Uniform ordering

Due to us changing systems, the cut off for ordering school uniform before the Summer break will be Friday 4th July. Any orders placed before / on this date will be fulfilled the following week and you will be notified via MCAS that the order is ready to collect.

School Woods

Just a polite reminder that children should not be going into the woods on the school grounds at the end of the school ground. This area is used as outside classrooms.

New After School Activity Clubs

New After school activity clubs commenced the week of Monday 16th June, a message was sent out to parents via MCAS last week.

please see information below:-

Tuesday

Warhammer Age of Sigmar

 A club focused on a fantasy miniatures game where your children can battle it out with armies of models. Children will be provided with opportunities to build, paint and play with miniatures with the aim of fostering creative skills, strategic thinking and social interaction. You do not need to own your own miniatures to be included.

Thursday

 Warhammer 40,000

A club focused on a science fiction miniatures game where your children can battle it out with armies of models. Children will be provided with opportunities to build, paint and play with miniatures with the aim of fostering creative skills, strategic thinking and social interaction. You do not need to own your own miniatures to be included. 

Fridays

Black Library

 A reading and creating club that will focus on long term creative projects and role play, set in the Warhammer universes. Children will be creating their own legend whilst working with like minded individuals to build friendships, and a sense of community around a common interest, as well as play narrative games themed around what they create.

These clubs are available to KS2 (Year 3/4/5/6), spaces are limited.

To book your child a place please go onto MCAS and select clubs.

PLEASE NOTE DUE TO SPACES BEING LIMITED AND TO GIVE AS MANY CHILDREN AS POSSIBLE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE PLEASE ENROL YOUR CHILD ONTO ONLY ONE OF THE ABOVE CLUBS.

THANK YOU.

Fortnightly class updates and achievements

Nursery

Week commencing 2nd June

This week the children have started new topics. The younger children are thinking about jungle animals. They read the book 'Monkey Puzzle'. They talked about the different animals and their characteristics. The older children are thinking about farm animals. We sang 'Old MacDonald had a farm'. We talked about the different animals, learned about baby and adult animals. We also had a look at a non-fiction book and how it differs to a story book.

 Week commencing 9th June

The children are continuing to think about animals. The younger children are reading the story 'The Tiger who came to Tea'. They have looked at the different patterns on animals' fur and feathers, They collaged their own animals using the different patterns. The older children have read 'Farmyard Hullabaloo'. We talked about the different noises the animals make and had a go at making them ourselves. The book is written in rhyme, so we have also been talking about rhyming words.

Exciting news. The caterpillars turned into chrysalis' over the half term. At the end of last week they started to hatch into butterflies. Some of the children were lucky enough to see one hatch out. On Wednesday this week we let them go. One stayed in the garden long enough for the children to see it feed before it flew off. 

Week commencing 16th June

The younger children have been reading 'Elephant in my kitchen!' The children have looked at the different habitats where animals live. Is it hot or cold? Does it have trees or grass? Then they learned how these habitats are disappearing and what we can do to stop this, e.g. litter picks, recycling, walking to school.

The older children have been looking at the book 'William Bees Wonderful World of Tractors and Farm Machines'. They learned all about the different jobs tractors can do. They then learned about what farmers used before tractors. They have been making their own tractors using junk modelling materials. They have named the materials they are using and learned different joining techniques.

Ruby Class

Week commencing 2nd June

This week, we started the new Heartsease Way, so we learnt the acronyms RESPECT, READY (to learn) and SAFE (walking around school). In English, we read and wrote about 'Here We Are,' it is such a great book that we are going to look at it in more detail next week, during story time. In Maths, Key Stage 1 worked on division, Reception worked on subitising within 5, then began revising number bonds. In computing, we learnt what an algorithm is, and followed dance instruction symbols. In PE we practised sack, sprint and egg-and-spoon races. In Science, we learnt about dormant seeds germinating, drew a bean and have put our beans in water to watch them germinate. In outdoor learning, we searched for seedlings and saplings. In art, we started exploring printing, making repeated images and looking for negative space.

  Week commencing 9th June

In English, we read the rhyming book 'Roaring Rockets' and developed our rhyming skills. In Maths, we continued developing last week's skills. In PE, we practised hurdles and javelin. In Science, we drew the next stage of our bean's development and learnt that bulbs need to be planted the right way up. In History, we learnt about Ava Lovelace, the inventor of the computer. In computing, we created algorithms to control a coloured piano keyboard. In Art, we made clay printing blocks, creating alien faces by making negative spaces. We also learnt about Picasso who developed this technique. In music, we listened to and evaluated a variety of space music.

Week commencing 16th June

This week, Ruby class enjoyed reading and writing about the rhyming book 'Here Come the Aliens.' We joined in with the rhyme and the repeated refrain "the aliens are coming." We used adjectives and verbs to write about the aliens, we made rhyming words and decided if they were real or not. In maths, Year 1 and 2 continued working with fractions, Reception compared amounts. In PE, we learnt long-jump and long distance running and revisited using javelins. We went into the woods and created our own hurdles to jump over. In Art, we printed repeating patterns. In music, we learnt 'Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' and sang it to fast and slow beats.

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 2nd June

Riley

For enthusiasm – He was new into our class this week and has willingly completed all learning.

   Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 9th June

Sullee-Jan

For excellence – accurately writing number sentences, adding amounts in thousands!

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing Monday 16th June

Evie

For enthusiasm in all her work this week.

Reception (Jasper / Jade Classes)

Over the last two weeks reception have looked at the story books - Martha Maps it Out by Leigh Hodgkinson and Clean Up by Nathan Bryon.

We have been looking at planet Earth and the different countries and oceans, making our own maps and burying treasure for our friends to find. We have also talked about how important it is to look after our planet and keep clean and tidy so we do not hurt the animals that we share the planet with.

It has been National Refugee week this week and all classes have been learning about what it is like to be a refugee and how we can help people who have been forced to flee from their own country feel safe and welcomed in ours. As part of our commitment to being a school of sanctuary we want to educate our children on the importance of being part of a community and helping each other. If you would like more information about the events happening in Norwich please follow this link. https://newroutes.org.uk/refugee-week-norwich/

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing Monday 2nd June

Jade Class

Evie

For being respectful and for showing service. Good role model and working hard.

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 9th June

Jade Class

Olivia

For always being a fantastic role model and swimming 5 metres during our first school swimming lesson! You have been one of the first children in the class to show ready when asked every time. Brilliant week, as always, well done Olivia!

Jasper Class

Xam

For his excellent work ethic and putting into practice all that he is learning.

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 16th June

Jade Class

Alfie

Alfie has been working very hard to improve his writing. This week he has been writing for pleasure and producing lots of interesting lists and sentences. Well done Alfie!

Jasper Class

Gvidas

He works incredibly hard with his reading and his writing, wanting to challenge himself and learn how to spell new words. He knows the routines of the classroom to such an extent that he will help prepare activities that need to be out. He likes to earn rewards such as Dojopoints for making good choices and demonstrating the Heartseaseway. He is a much valued member of Jasper class and this award is well deserved. 

Year 1 (Onyx/Opal Classes)

This week the children have done exceptionally well embracing the Heartsease Way, focusing on our learning and being enthusiastic. We have explored a range of adjectives, looking at how to make our writing even more exciting. In Math's we have been looking at numbers to 100, finding what comes next. We also collected scientific data this week, discovering the different kind of leave we have around the school which the children found fascinating. 

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing - Monday 2nd June

Opal Class

Mia

For her continued positive attitude towards learning

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 9th June

Onyx Class

Oli

He has shown enthusiasm and focus towards learning across all areas.

Year 2 (Amber/Aqua Classes)

In math the focus in particular was on problem solving and efficient methods of addition and subtraction but also using the context of money. In reading we completed the unit set in the context of the core text Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World by Kate Pankhurst. In English writing we started a new two-week unit set in the context of our Geography unit Local Study. We looked at the text conventions and grammatical structures of recounts. In science we revisited the use of everyday materials. In Geography our learning question was ,'What physical and human features does a place have?'.

In math we continued solving problems using efficient methods with a focus on addition and subtraction. We started a new two-week reading unit set in the context of the core text Usborne Illustrated Stories from Aesop Fables, The Sun and the Wind. In English writing we planned and wrote our recount based on our visit to Gressenhall Farm earlier in the year. In science we revisited living things and their habitats. In history our focus for learning was, 'When was the Great Flood of Felixstowe?'

Well done to all the children in Year 2 as they were awarded an extra playtime this week. Over the last two weeks both classes have been consistently awarded Dojos for adherence to the school Values and gained the highest numbers of all classes! 

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing - Monday 2nd June

Amber Class

Natlia

For always being motivated to succeed. She follows instructions and always tries her best. Well done Natalia.

Aqua Class

Kyren

For enthusiasm for learning this week. In every lesson he is eager to learn, always enthusiastically being fully engaged and eager to discuss what he is learning. 

Respect for Learning Award

     Week commencing - Monday 9th June

Amber Class

Charlie

Excellence

For performance reading to the class, loudly and clearly.

Aqua Class

Roxana

She presents all of her work brilliantly and is very articulate when talking across subjects.

Respect for Learning Award

     Week commencing - Monday 16th June

Amber Class

Leo

Leo has a great collaborator this week, sharing ideas and responsibilities with his learning partners. He actively listens to others, is kind and supportive. Well done Leo.

Aqua Class

Lola

Lola receives the excellence award this week for a great first week. You have demonstrated enthusiasm, collaboration and above all excellence in your independent work. Super impressed!

Year 3 (Coral / Crystal Classes)

Year 3 have been learning to tell the time using analogue and digital clocks - any practise at home would be really helpful! We have also been busy using our knowledge from trip and history lessons to help us with our writing as be begin our topic on writing a historical narrative through dialogue. 

In crystal class, I am nominating Toby for perseverance - Toby always shows he is ready, tries his hardest, listens to instructions and keeps going even when the work is hard.

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing - Monday 2nd June

Coral Class

Isaac

Coral Class are proud of Isaac for his perseverance in class this week. He has out every effort into performing well in the tests this week as well as across the curriculum.

Crystal Class

Harry G

For Excellence - Harry always tries his best with everything he does and this week he has been one of the first children in the class to show ready when asked every time!

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing - Monday 9th June

Coral Class

Jayden

For excellence in prosody when reading independently. He was clearly adding character to the dialogue and understanding the text.

Crystal Class

Toby

Toby always shows he is ready, tried his hardest, listens to instructions and keeps going even when the work is hard. Well done Toby!

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing - Monday 16th June

Coral Class

Penny

During this week, Penny has shown a positive attitude towards learning across the curriculum. Because of her enthusiasm, she has made good progress in all her lessons!​

Well done, Penny!​

Crystal Class

Harry

Harry has shown increased enthusiasm in all lessons particularly in writing. Well done Harry!

Year 4 (Garnet/Topaz Classes)

In English, we have started our newspaper reports about King Guthrum defeating King Edmund. In maths we have been continuing to learn decimals; In reading, we are about to finish our core text 'Young Gifted and Black' and start the Wind in the Willows. In Science we have been investigating and learning about the topic of Sound. In History, we learned about why the Vikings were so Powerful. In geography, we continued with our Latitude and Longitude topic and learned about how day and night occur. In art we started a new unit looking at the work of Helen Frankenthaller and her various painting techniques. We have also nearly completed all their multiplication tests, and a very well done to all children for their efforts.

Respect for earning Award

Week commencing - Monday 2nd June

Garnet Class

Oliver

He has hit the ground running with the Heartsease Way, consistently showing respect and responsibility throughout his learning this week.

Topaz Class

Ellie-Mae

For showing great perseverance in maths. She demonstrated a great understanding of how to divide 1-digit numbers by 10. Brilliant!

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 9th June

Garnet Class

Hannah

She has worked really hard all throughout this week, displaying fantastic enthusiasm and perseverance in everything she has done.

Topaz Class

Jasmine

For showing wonderful enthusiasm this week. She has participated brilliantly to whole class questioning and whole class discussions. Brilliant!

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 16th June

Garnet Class

Leah

Respect Award - For always volunteering for any job that needs to be done around the class, no matter how big or small it is

Topaz Class

Amelia T

For demonstrating wonderful readiness when doing our 3,2,1 countdown. She has been focussed and excellent at listening when asked. Well done, Amelia!

Year 5 (Emerald/Sapphire Classes)

In Maths, we’ve been diving into the world of degrees and angles, learning how to measure and identify different types of angles. We’ve also been exploring negative numbers, understanding how they work in real-life contexts such as temperature and money.

In English, the children have worked hard to complete their balanced arguments on environmental issues. They’ve shown great maturity in considering different viewpoints and presenting their ideas clearly and persuasively. We’re very proud of the thoughtful discussions and high-quality writing they’ve produced.

Our Science lessons have been full of curiosity and creativity as the children created presentations comparing two different animals. They researched habitats, diets, adaptations, and more, then shared their findings with the class. It’s been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they presented their work.

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing - Monday 2nd June

Emerald Class

Bella

For showing real enthusiasm in class lessons this week, contributing and being involved.

Sapphire Class

Findlay

Findlay is always responsible in everything he does. He completes his work constantly to an extremely high standard . Well Done Findlay!

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 9th June

Emerald Class

Freddie

Throughout the week he has shown great perseverance. He has kept on going and ensured that he has worked to the best of your ability.

Sapphire Class

Enoch

During this week, Enoch has worked well with his partner. Supporting the conversation by helping to give them time to think about what they are going to say. He has also given them time to put their point of view across.

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 16th June

Emerald Class

Victor

He has shown an excellent attitude to his work over the last few weeks, he has become adept at following RESPECT and setting an excellent example in class. Keep it going!

Sapphire Class

Gracie-May

During this week, Gracie-May has put every effort into her work this week. She has done this with a huge amount of enthusiasm and always wants to go one step further. A great week Gracie-May.

Year 6 (Diamond/Quartz Classes)

Year 6 have started to learn about their next genre of writing, which is discursive speeches. They have learnt about the formalities and devices needed to be successful in writing a discrusive speech, ready to begin planning next week. 

We are continuing with our class text, Dare to be You, this is an excellent book to support with their transition up to high school. Speaking of high school, children that will be attending Open Academy had a meeting with the Head Teacher from Open to discuss high school and transition week, which will happen on the week beginning Monday 7^th July. 

Year 6 have planned and started to write up their discursive speech. They will be writing a leaver's speech for their final piece. In Maths, we are continuing with our work on Ratio and Proportion. This week, a number of children in Year 6 competed in a KS2 athletics event at UEA. They did an incredible job at the event. Children who are in attending Thorpe St Andrew had a visit from some of their prospective teachers to discuss high school and transition week. All of Year 6 did an amazing job preparing and cooking their pasta dishes as part of our DT unit.

Respect for Learning Award

Week commencing - Monday 2nd June

Diamond Class

Mason

For 'Service' for working supportively in paired tasks this week. He has been very patient and has shown initiative to see when they were struggling giving them appropriate guidance.

Quartz Class

Evie-Jayne

For her engagement in the learning this week. Evie has shown great enthusiasm throughout the week, always showing that she is ready to learn and be willing to answer questions and share ideas in front of the class.

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 9th June

Diamond Class

Dea

For showing excellence when editing her own writing without prompting. She has used a thesaurus to find a wider variety of vocabulary and to  make her discursive text more interesting.

Quartz Class

Lilly-Mae

During this week, Lilly has shown excellence by always being ready to learn, being a helpful and supportive member of the class and working hard across all subjects!

Respect for Learning Award

   Week commencing - Monday 16th June

Diamond Class

Lena

Lena has shown in excellence in writing this week. She has written in the correct style and used a wide range of tier 3 vocabulary and high-level punctuation appropriately.

Quartz Class

Harley

For the Perseverance that he has shown this week. Harley has worked extremely hard to improve in all areas, especially his writing. Harley has gone back and successfully edited his lead pieces of writing, to ensure that they are punctuality correct and more engaging to the reader. 

Rainbow Reader Award

Chinedu - Onyx Class

Additional Forthcoming events / Dates for the diary

Friday 27th June

Inset Day - School closed to pupils.

Monday 30th June

Nursery Sports Day

 9am-10am

Tuesday 1st July

Friends Disco

Nursery and Reception - 3:25pm -4:30pm

Years 3 & 4 - 4:40pm - 5:45pm

Letters will be sent home after the May Half term break.

Wednesday 2nd July

Reception (Jade/Jasper Class) - Sports Day

9am-11am

Friends Disco

Years 1 & 2 - 3:25pm - 4:30pm

Year 5 & 6 - 4:40pm - 5:45pm

Letters will be sent home after the May Half term break

Thursday 3rd July

KS2 (Year 3/4/5/6) Sports Day

9am-12

KS1 (Year 1/2) Sports Day

1:15pm-3:20pm.

Saturday 5th July

Friends Summer Fete - 11am-3pm.

Thursday 10th July

Nursery Graduation - Time to be confirmed.

Friday 18th July

Year 6 leavers assembly - time / details to be confirmed.

Year 6 Prom - 6pm - 8pm.

Last day of term.